Band returns after 40 years
ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time, have announced that, for the first time in 40 years they are back, with a revolutionary new concert that will see Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid performing digitally with a live 10-piece band, in a purpose-built arena in London from May 27, 2022, and a brand new studio album.
The digital versions of ABBA have been created following weeks and months of motion-capture and performance techniques with the four band members and an 850-strong team from Industrial Light & Magic, the company founded by George Lucas, in what is the company’s first foray into music.
Now, an incredible 40 years since their last studio album The Visitors, ABBA have not only recorded two new songs, “I Still Have Faith In You” and “Don’t Shut Me Down,” that will both feature in the concert, but they have recorded and produced an entire new album. Recorded together at Benny’s studio Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, Voyage will be released worldwide on CD and LP on November 5th on Capitol Records.
“It’s been a while since we made music together. Almost 40 years, actually. We took a break in the spring of 1982 and now we’ve decided it’s time to end it. They say it’s foolhardy to wait more than 40 years between albums, so we’ve recorded a follow-up to “The Visitors”. To tell the truth, the main inspiration to record again comes from our involvement in creating the strangest and most spectacular concert you could ever dream of. We’re going to be able to sit back in an audience and watch our digital selves perform our songs on a stage in a custom-built arena in London next spring. Weird and wonderful!” the band shares.
“To all of you who patiently have followed us in some way or another these past decades: Thank you for waiting -it’s time for a new journey to begin.”
ABBA Voyage will open May 27, 2022 at the ABBA Arena, a state-of-the-art 3,000 capacity arena located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Pre-registration for tickets opens at 6 pm tonight (Thurs, Sept 2nd) on abbavoyage.com with tickets on general sale starting Tuesday, September 7th.
Tickets for ABBA Voyage are available from 10 am Sunday, September 5th for fans who have pre-ordered the album from the official ABBA store, and from 10 am Monday, September 6th for those who have pre-registered. General on sale commences at 10 am Tuesday, September 7th.
